Driver, attendant released after arrest by Customs Dept after unknowingly transporting drugs

Both suspects with their counsel Ralph Lee (middle).

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, July 9: Two individuals, a driver and an attendant, who were arrested by the Malaysia Royal Customs Department (MRC) in connection with a case under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, have been released after being remanded for four days.

The suspects, aged 19 and 24, were apprehended on July 4, at approximately 3.50pm at Experxa Logistic Company located on Jalan Noakes.

During the arrest, MRC officers detained the suspects on suspicion of possessing 10 parcels believed to contain dangerous drugs.

A subsequent investigation of the parcels revealed 50 packets branded ‘Guanyinwang’ and 10 packets branded ‘High Mountain Tea,’ all containing a crystalline substance with a gross weight of 60,760 grammes.

Consequently, the suspects were arrested under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

On July 5, the suspects were brought before Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi, who granted a four-day remand until July 9.

However, today, Magistrate Sharkawi dismissed a further remand application by the MRC.

Counsel Ralph Lee, representing both suspects, argued that evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements from the logistic company, demonstrated that the suspects had no knowledge or connection to the drugs found.

The primary individual of interest, Lai Soon Hin, who is currently missing, is the one MRC is actively searching for.

Lai had requested the suspects’ company to deliver the goods and was seen on CCTV driving a car with his girlfriend, circling the area approximately 10 times. — DayakDaily